Cambodia and Ancient Angkor

6 days - from $550

There are few great archaeological monuments in the world that can match Angkor for its ancient splendour. Founded in the 9th Century AD, Angkor became the country’s capital under King Yasorvarman I. By the 13th Century, Angkor covered a vast area and was one of the largest cities in the world. Our Gecko’s tour gives you two whole days to explore these magnificent temples with a touch of adventure thrown in on the way. We begin in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, where we spend the day exploring this re-emerging city and visiting the sad and sobering ‘killing fields’ of Choeung Ek. We then continue by bus around South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake to the central Cambodian town of Siem Reap, before arriving at the fabled temples of Angkor.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat
• Tuol Sleng Prison Museum
• Phnom Penh's history
• Angkor Thom's stone-carved human faces
• Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Phnom Penh

Itinerary:

Day 1: Phnom Penh2: Phnom Penh3: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap4: Siem Reap (Angkor)5: Siem Reap6: Siem Reap

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and professional local site guides at some sites.

• Cyclo sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh including the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Prison.

• Visit to the Angkor complex: Angkor Wat, South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Baphoun, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Leper King and Ta Prohm.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Phnom Penh - the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Russian Market; and Tônlé Sap Lake - South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

• Free time to explore Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.